The Italian prime minister has made the trip to Milan to face accusations of tax fraud. Last week, in a separate trial, he stayed away when charged with paying for sex with an under-age nightclub dancer.

Entering the courthouse, Berlusconi, who has accused magistrates of being politically biased leftists, declared: “I will not be convicted.” He was cheered on by supporters. But critics were also present outside court, hence some angry scenes.

The case concerns accusations of false accounting in transactions involving Berlusconi’s Mediaset broadcasting empire. It is claimed the price of film rights was artificially manipulated to evade tax. Berlusconi and Mediaset deny any wrongdoing.